Tokyo, Japan—Tosoh Corporation is pleased to announce the development and application of its proprietary oxycatalyst. Tosoh uses the oxycatalyst in the oxychlorination process that synthesizes ethylene dichloride (EDC) from ethylene, hydrogen chloride, and oxygen in the VCM manufacturing process.
The company is employing its newly developed oxycatalyst in combination with simulation technology at some of its VCM plants. The performance boost anticipated from the new oxycatalyst has been confirmed at these plants, which have an annual production capacity of 500,000 metric tons. Going forward, Tosoh will aggressively strengthen its competitiveness by converting to the new oxycatalyst at its other VCM manufacturing facilities.
In the 1960s, Tosoh began operating a VCM plant employing an oxychlorination process based on proprietary technology. Since then, the company has worked to improve oxycatalysts. Tosoh’s latest proprietary oxycatalyst represents significant progress in oxycatalyst performance. In spite of its simple copper catalyst composition, it features a cylindrical shape and a unique pore structure in the support, enabling high-performance capabilities such as high activity, selectivity for EDC, and durability.
In developing this new oxycatalyst, Tosoh analyzed the deterioration of catalysts over long-term operation utilizing advanced methods such as X-ray absorption fine-structure analysis. Analyses revealed that adverse changes in copper components correlated to catalyst deterioration. That correlation, in turn, led the company to develop simulation technology to determine catalyst life, which contributes to improved capabilities such as extended catalyst lifetimes and reduced catalyst-related costs.
(VCM Plant)
VCM Production Capacity
|
Base
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Production Capacity (metric tons)
|
|
Nanyo Complex
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850,000
|
|
Yokkaichi Complex
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250,000
|
|
Total
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1,100,000
|
TOSOH CORPORATION
Who We Are
Tosoh is the parent of the Tosoh Group, which comprises over 100 companies worldwide and a multiethnic workforce of over 12,000 people and generated net sales of ¥861.5 billion (US$7.8 billion at the average rate of ¥110.9 to the US dollar) in fiscal 2019, ended March 31, 2019.
What We Do
Tosoh is one of the largest chlor-alkali manufacturers in Asia. The company supplies the plastic resins and an array of the basic chemicals that support modern life. Tosoh’s petrochemical operations supply ethylene, polyethylene, and functional polymers, while its advanced materials business serves the global semiconductor, display, and solar industries. Tosoh has also pioneered sophisticated bioscience systems that are used for the monitoring of life-threatening diseases. In addition, Tosoh demonstrates its commitment to a sustainable future in part by manufacturing a variety of eco-products.
Stock Exchange Ticker Symbol: 4042
Disclaimer
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